Apparatus for separating fiber flocks from a transporting air stream

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream charged with such fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct wherein the upper part of the feed chute is equipped with at least two inlet openings for the transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks. A centrifugal wheel is provided for each such inlet opening.

tent [191 States Hanselmann et a1.

[ APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING FIBER FLOCKS FROM A TRANSPORTING AlR STREAM [75] Inventors: Daniel Hanselmann, Oberwil; Rudolf Wildbolz, Winterthur, both of Switzerland [73] Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Rieter AG,

Winterthur, Switzerland 221 Filed: Oct.6, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 186,847

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data 55/406-408; 131/84 B, 84 C, 110, 146; 214/17 CB, 17 C 222/142, 270, 272, 330; 302/28, 59, 60, 61, 64

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,305,108 2/1967 Edrning. 214/17 CB [451 Jan. 22, 1974 3,387,895 6/1968 Hochmuth et al. 302/28 X 3,144,276 8/1964 Ortiz; 302/64 1,911,543 5/1933 Bailey 302/28 2,497,406 2/1950 Graham 214/17 CB 3,431,027 3/1969 Kochey 302/28 1,941,471 1/1934 Hardgrove 302/28 2,845,661 8/1958 Svende et a1. 302/61 X 3,490,619 1/1970 De Wittie 214/17 CB Primary Examiner-Even C. Blunk Assistant Examiner-W. Scott Carson Attorney, Agent, or FirmWerner W. Kleeman 5 7 ABSTRACT An apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream charged with such fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct wherein the upper part of the 16 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTED JAN 2 2 |Q74 SHEET 1 OF 2 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a new and improved apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a fiber flock carrying transporting air stream at a stationary feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the stationary feed chute being provided with a perforated wall and forming a fiber flock layer which is to be supplied to a spinning preparatory machine.

Devices of this type are commonly employed in spinning plants for feeding cards and cleaning machines in order to separate the fiber flocks which are pneumatically delivered through transport air ducts from the transporting air stream before they enter the machine, these fiber flocks having previously been opened by mechanical bale plucking machines or blending openers. In order to be able to maintain as constant as possible the sliver weight of a sliver delivered by a card for instance, the uniformity of the card feed, that is to say, the weight of the input fiber flock layer is of decisive importance as is well known to those versed in the art. However, experience has shown that when directly feeding a card by means of an appropriate feed chute at a high air throughput it is extremely difficult to produce a sufficiently uniformly condensed fiber flock layer in a satisfactory manner through the use of the measures known heretofore.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Hence, from what has been stated above it will be seen that a real need still exists in the art for apparatus for separting fiber flocks from a transporting air stream which is not associated with the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art constructions. Hence, a primary object of this invention is to provide just such type apparatus which effectively and reliably fulfills the existing need in the art and overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

Another and more specific object of the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for separating fiber flocks from a transporting air stream so as to produce a sufficiently uniformly condensed fiber flock connected with a penumatic flock transporting duct is generally manifested by the features that the upper part of the feed chute is equipped with at least two inlet openings for the fiberflock carrying transporting air stream and a centrifugal wheel is concentrically arranged at each such inlet opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above, will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of inventive apparatus, taken substantially along the line B-B of Flg. 2;

FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 1, taken substantially along the line AA thereof;

Flg; 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of inventive apparatus similar to the showing of FIG. 1, but illustrating a modified construction thereof; and

FIG. 4 is a further embodiment of the inventive apparatus for separating fiber flocks from a transporting air stream as contemplated by this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings it is to be understood that throughout the various embodiments of inventive apparatus as disclosed herein such apparatus is shown and described purely by way of example as arranged at a flock feed chute 1 located at the input side of any suitable and therefore not particularly illustrated card. The flock feed chute l is preferably of the type previously discussed and possesses a perforated wall equipped, for instance, with slots 1' serving as discharge or exit openings for the air. Now as clearly seen by referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 chute 1 is advantageously provided with a detachable upper part2. At a large side wall of this detachable upper chute portion or part 2 of the fiber flock feed chute l and to each of the vertical chute axis 3 there is arranged a respective inlet opening 4 and 5, in other words a total of at least two inlet openings 4 and 5 are provided for the transporting air stream laden with the opened fiber flocks.

Now at each of both inlet openings 4 and 5 there is rotatably mounted at the upper chute part 2 a respective centrifugal wheel 6 and 7 disposed concentrically with respect to their associated inlet openings 4 and 5. These centrifugal wheels 6 and 7 can be constructed, for instance, as round discs provided with smooth surfaces or with radial ribs or, as experiments have proven, can suitably consist of centrifugal fan wheels.

Continuing, it should be understood that for the purpose of obtaining a column of fiber flocks in the feed chute 1 possessing the best possible uniform density and weight during the separation of the flocks from the transporting air stream the centrifugal wheels 6 and 7 are driven so as to rotate in opposite rotational directions. Furthermore, these centrifugal wheels 6 and 7 are preferably driven in such a manner that the directions of rotation of the wheels 6 and 7 between their axes of rotation are directed downwards. In order to impart to the transporting air streamcharged with the fiber flocks a flow direction which is as favorable as possible for the purpose of obtaining as uniform as possible filling of the feed chute 1 it is contemplated to surround each of the two centrifugal or fan wheels 6 and 7 with a respective curved deflecting or diverting wall member 8 and 9. These curved'deflecting walls 8 and 9 extend approximately at least over the upper half of the associated wheel 6 and 7 and possess an approximately semi-circular configuration or preferably a spirally-shaped configuration. As best seen by referring to FIg. I both deflecting walls 8 and 9 are arranged in such a fashion that their radialspacing from the periphery of the associated wheels 6 and 7 and from their axes of rotation increases in the directions of rotation of these wheels 6 and 7 as indicated by the arrows of FIG. 1.

Now as illustrated for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 at the inner ends of the deflecting walls 8 and 9, in other words approximately at the central region of the chute 1 as indicated by the vertical chute axis 3, and at the location where the transporting air flows together with the fiber flocks into chute 1, there can be provided, if necessary, an appropriately displaceable or moveable flow guide member for the purpose of evening-out possible irregularities of the flock distribution which may arise. This guide member can be constructed, for intance, in the form of a sliding plate or baffle 10 or, as shown for the modified embodiment of FIG. 3, can be constituted as a pivotal guide blade 11 which can be rocked or pivoted-in a direction transverse to the air flow indicated in such drawing by the arrows.

Apart from the previously described preferred arrangement where the direction of rotation of the wheels 6 and 7 is directed downwardly between their axes of rotation, it is of course also possible to drive the wheels 6 and 7 in the opposite rotational sense, in other words wherein the direction of rotation of each of these wheels 6 and 7 is upwardly directed between their respective axes of rotation as indicated in the embodiment of FIG. 4. In this instance and analogous to the considerations mentioned previously in the discussion of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the arrangement of FIG. 4 the rdial distance of the curved deflecting walls 8 and 9 from the periphery of such wheels and from the axes of rotation of wheels 6 and 7 here likewise increases in the direction of rotation, so that in this case the outflow or exit ends of the deflecting walls 8 and 9 extend towards the side walls of the feed chute 12 and a respective guide blade 11 is suitably mounted at both sides within the chute 1, as shown.

At this point it is to be mentioned that the connection of both inlet openings 4 and with the non-illustrated pneumatic transporting duct carrying the fiber flocks basically can be perfected in any optional, suitable and known manner. However, experiments have shown that a bifurcated or fork-shaped duct connector 12 possessing substantially symmetrical legs 12a, for instance approximately of the shape shown in FIG. 2, is not of inconsequential significance as concerns the uniformity of the flock distribution at the feed chute 1 and thus, under circumstances, alsofavorably influences the sought for uniformity in the density of the fiber flock layer.

It is not crucial to the invention how the drive for the centrifugal wheels 6 and 7 is achieved, but such can be driven for instance through the agency of a suitable electric motor 13 and belts, or in fact in any otherappropriate manner. The control and actuation of the guide elements and 11 as well as the drive 13 does not constitute part of the subject matter of this inven-- tion, yet it is to be mentioned that such can be controlled and actuated, for instance manually, mechanically or automatically, by means of any suitable adjusting mechanism. One such possible type of adjusting mechanism 15 has been shown as a pinion and rack drive which, in the arrangement of FIG. 1, can be used for selectively positioning the guide baffle or slide 10.

In the event that a number of chutes are connected with a common flock transporting duct via a branch duct, then, there can also be provided centrifical wheels 6 and 7 which do not have any fan action, since a fan or ventilator in the flock transporting duct can be sufficient for conveying the fiber flocks.

In order to be able to adapt the apparatus to all possible different duct guide path conditions of the pneumatic transport duct there can be provided adapting or adjustment means at the region of the fork-shaped connection duct 12 for the purpose of altering the distribution of the transport air stream at both of the legs 12a of such fork-shaped duct 12. Thus, as best seen by referring to FIG. 2, for this purpose there can be provided, for instance, at the fork-shaped duct 12 an adjustable air flow separating wall 15' formed of a material of limited flexibility, adjustment of such separating wall being possible at substantially right angles to the axes of the inlet openings 4 and 5 respectively. This separating wall 15' is movable in a plane defined by such two axes of the inlet openings 4 and 5 through the action of an eccentrically mounted eccentric cam 14 or similar device. Hence, when the eccentric cam 14 is eccentrically rotated by means of the operating handle 16 to move between the full and phantom line positions shown in FIG. 2, then, the air flow separating wall 15 can be correspondingly displaced between its depicted full and phantom line positions so as to adjust or regulate the effective flow cross-sectional areas of the two legs 12a of the connection duct 12 as should be readily apparent.

' While there is shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims. Accordingly,

What is claimed is:

1. In an appuratus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the improvement comprising an upper chute portion, said upper chute portion being provided with at least two inlet openings for the flock carrying transporting air, and a respective centrifugal wheel provided for each inlet opening rotatably mounted on a substantially horizontal axis and substantially concentrically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, means for driving said centrifugal wheels of each two neighboring inlet openings so as to rotate in opposite directions. 1

2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said centrifugal wheel of each inlet opening comprises a fan wheel.

3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including a respective deflecting wall member partially surrounding each centrifugal wheel, each such deflecting wall member extending over at least the upper half of its associated centrifugal wheel, each said deflecting wall member being arranged such that its radial spacing from the periphery of its associated centrifugal wheel increases in the direction of rotation of such centrifical wheel.

4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein each said deflecting wall member possesses a substantially spirally-shaped configuration.

5. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said deflecting wall members define at least one exit location for the transporting air stream, and an adjustable guide member for the transporting air stream provided at said exit location.

6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said exit location is disposed at an end of the associated deflecting wall member possessing the greatest radial spacing from the periphery of its associated centrifugal wheel. I

7. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including a pivotably mounted guide blade disposed between said deflecting wall members,said guide blade being pivotable at right angles with respect to the transporting air stream and serving as a guide member for said transporting air stream.

8. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including a duct connecting member for connecting said inlet openings with a flock transporting duct.

9. The apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said duct connecting member possesses a substantially forked-shaped configuration having a pair of duct legs.

10. The apparatus as defined in claim 9, further including means provided for said fork-shaped duct connecting member for altering the distribution of the transporting air stream to both legs of said forkedshaped duct connecting member.

ll. In an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks ata feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the improvement comprising an upper chute portion, said upper chute portion being provided with at least two inlet openingsfor the flock carrying transporting air, and a respective centrifugal wheel provided for each inlet opening and substantially concentrically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, means for driving said centrifugal wheels of each two neighboring inlet openings so as to rotate in opposite directions, and wherein each said centrifugal wheel rotates about an associated axis of rotation and wherein said opposite directions of rotation of said cen trifugal wheels are directed downwardly between said two axes of rotation.

12. In an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the improvement comprising an upper chute portion, said upper chute'portion being provided with at least two inlet openings for the flock carrying transporting air, and a respective centrifugal wheel provided for each inlet opening and substantially concentrically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, means for driving said centrifugal wheels of each two neighboring inlet openings so as to rotate in opposite directions, a respective deflecting wall member partially surrounding each centfifugal wheel, each such deflecting wall member extending over at least the upper half of its associated centrifugal wheel, each said deflecting wall member being arranged such that its radial spacing from the periphery of its associated centrifugal wheel increases in the direction of rotation of each centrifugal wheel, and further including a sliding baffle adjustable in the direction of the vertical chute axis and disposed between said deflecting wallmembers, said sliding baffle serving as a guide member for the transporting air stream.

13. In an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks trically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, means for driving said centrifugal wheels of each two neighboring inlet openings so as to rotate in opposite directions, and wherein said drive means serves to drive said centrifugal wheels such that the directions of rotation point upwardly between the two axes of rotation thereof.

14. In an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the improvement comprising an upper chute portion, said upper chute portion being provided with at least two inlet openings for theflock carrying transporting air, and a respective centrifugal wheel provided for each inlet opening and substantially concentrically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, each centrifugal wheel rotates about an associated axis of rotation wherein said opposite directions of rotation of said centrifugal wheels are directed downwardly between said two axes of rotation.

15. In an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the improvement comprising an upper chute portion, said upper chute portion being provided with at least two inlet openings for the flock carrying transporting air, and a respective centrifugal wheel provided for each inlet opening and substantially concentrically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, a respective deflecting wall member partially surrounding each centrifugal wheel, each such deflecting wall member extending over at least the upper half of its associated centrifugal wheel, each deflecting wall member being arranged such that its radial spacing from the periphery of its associated centrifugal wheel increases in the direction of rotation of such centrifugal wheel, a sliding baffle adjustable in the direction of the vertical chute axis and disposed between said deflecting wall members, said sliding baffle serving as a guide member for the transporting air stream.

116. In an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the improvement comprising an upper chute portion, said upper chute portion being provided with at least two inlet openings for the flock carrying transporting air', and a respective centrifugal wheel provided for each inlet opening and substantially concentrically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, including means for driving said centrifugal wheels of each two neighboring inlet openings so as to rotate'in opposite directions, said drive means serves to drive said centrifugal wheels such that the directions of rotation point upwardly between the two axes of rotation thereof. 

1. In an appuratus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the improvement comprising an upper chute portion, said upper chute portion being provided with at least two inlet openings for the flock carrying transporting air, and a respective centrifugal wheel provided for each inlet opening rotatably mounted on a substantially horizontal axis and substantially concentrically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, means for driving said centrifugal wheels of each two neighboring inlet openings so as to rotate in opposite directions.
 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said centrifugal wheel of each inlet opening comprises a fan wheel.
 3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including a respective deflecting wall member partially surrounding each centrifugal wheel, each such deflecting wall member extending over at least the upper half of its associated centrifugal wheel, each said deflecting wall member being arranged such that its radial spacing from the periphery of its associated centrifugal wheel increases in the direction of rotation of such centrifical wheel.
 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein each said deflecting wall member possesses a substantially spirally-shaped configuration.
 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said deflecting wall members define at least one exit location for the transporting air stream, and an adjustable guide member for the transporting air stream provided at said exit location.
 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said exit location is disposed at an end of the associated deflecting wall member possessing the greatest radial spacing from the periphery of its associated centrifugal wheel.
 7. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, further including a pivotably mounted guide blade disposed between said deflecting wall members, said guide blade being pivotable at right angles with respect to the transporting air stream and serving as a guide member for said transporting air stream.
 8. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including a duct connecting member for connecting said inlet openings with a flock transporting duct.
 9. The apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said duct connecting member possesses a substantially forked-shaped configuration having a pair of duct legs.
 10. The apparatus as defined in claim 9, further including means provided for said fork-shaped duct connecting member for altering the distribution of the transporting air stream to both legs of said forked-shaped duct connecting member.
 11. In an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the improvement comprising an upper chute portion, said upper chute portion being provided with at least two inlet openings for the flock carrying transporting air, and a Respective centrifugal wheel provided for each inlet opening and substantially concentrically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, means for driving said centrifugal wheels of each two neighboring inlet openings so as to rotate in opposite directions, and wherein each said centrifugal wheel rotates about an associated axis of rotation and wherein said opposite directions of rotation of said centrifugal wheels are directed downwardly between said two axes of rotation.
 12. In an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the improvement comprising an upper chute portion, said upper chute portion being provided with at least two inlet openings for the flock carrying transporting air, and a respective centrifugal wheel provided for each inlet opening and substantially concentrically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, means for driving said centrifugal wheels of each two neighboring inlet openings so as to rotate in opposite directions, a respective deflecting wall member partially surrounding each centfifugal wheel, each such deflecting wall member extending over at least the upper half of its associated centrifugal wheel, each said deflecting wall member being arranged such that its radial spacing from the periphery of its associated centrifugal wheel increases in the direction of rotation of each centrifugal wheel, and further including a sliding baffle adjustable in the direction of the vertical chute axis and disposed between said deflecting wall members, said sliding baffle serving as a guide member for the transporting air stream.
 13. In an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the improvement comprising an upper chute portion, said upper chute portion being provided with at least two inlet openings for the flock carrying transporting air, and a respective centrifugal wheel provided for each inlet opening and substantially concentrically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, means for driving said centrifugal wheels of each two neighboring inlet openings so as to rotate in opposite directions, and wherein said drive means serves to drive said centrifugal wheels such that the directions of rotation point upwardly between the two axes of rotation thereof.
 14. In an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the improvement comprising an upper chute portion, said upper chute portion being provided with at least two inlet openings for the flock carrying transporting air, and a respective centrifugal wheel provided for each inlet opening and substantially concentrically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, each centrifugal wheel rotates about an associated axis of rotation wherein said opposite directions of rotation of said centrifugal wheels are directed downwardly between said two axes of rotation.
 15. In an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the improvement comprising an upper chute portion, said upper chute portion being provided with at least two inlet openings for the flock carrying transporting air, and a respective centrifugal wheel provided for each inlet opening and substantially concentrically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, a respective deflecting wall member partially surrounding each centrifugal wheel, each such deflecting wall member extending over at least the upper half of its associated centrifugal wheel, each deflecting wall member being arranged such that its radial spacing from the periphery of its associated centrifugal wheel increases in the direction of rotation of such centrifugal wheel, a sliding baffle adjustable in the direction of the vertical chute axis and disposed between said deflecting wall members, said sliding baffle serving as a guide member for the transporting air stream.
 16. In an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a transporting air stream carrying the fiber flocks at a feed chute connected with a pneumatic flock transporting duct, the improvement comprising an upper chute portion, said upper chute portion being provided with at least two inlet openings for the flock carrying transporting air, and a respective centrifugal wheel provided for each inlet opening and substantially concentrically arranged with respect to its associated inlet opening, including means for driving said centrifugal wheels of each two neighboring inlet openings so as to rotate in opposite directions, said drive means serves to drive said centrifugal wheels such that the directions of rotation point upwardly between the two axes of rotation thereof. 